You are always the same; you will live forever. Psalm 102:27
Hills and valleys. Every life experiences a combination of good and bad.
A pastor had a unique way at looking at the good and bad that makes up life here on earth. He said, “Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it’s kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.”[1]
Sometimes circumstances along the “bad” track overwhelm us. There are circumstances that we can’t rejoice in—that pastor had experienced serious illness and death in his family. But each of us can rejoice in Who God is and in His never-ending love for us. No matter where the railroad tracks of your life ever take you, you can rely on God there.
Here are some facts about God from His book, the Bible. It says that long ago, He laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with His hands. Even though they wear out like old clothing, He remains forever (Psalm 102:25-26). He never changes–He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Scripture also tells that “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens” (James 1:17a). “He does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17b NIV).
Sometimes life is good but, says the pastor, “No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.” In “Happy moments,” we are reminded, “PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD.”[2]
[1] Conner, Mark. “An Interview with Rick Warren – Mark Conner’s Space.” Mark Conner’s Space, 15 May 2009, markconner.typepad.com/catch_the_wind/2009/05/an-interview-with-rick-warren.html.
[2] Ibid.
